Page 22 - Green Builder Homeowner's Handbook 2016
P. 22

The Homeowner’s Handbook SEVENTH EDITION

What Makes a HOME 				

Resilient?

         Renewable Energy
         Onsite wind and solar PV systems
         save energy and turn your home into
         a “power house” that can potentially
         feed the grid. Solar shingles or a
         building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV)
         system can minimize the aesthetic
         impact of a solar array.

Durable Materials                                                Rainwater Harvesting
Long-lasting siding materials                                    Harvesting and storing water
such as brick, stucco and fiber                                  onsite not only saves energy,
cement also tend to be fire                                      but ensures your home has a
resistant. Look for products with                                reserve supply if centralized
50-year warranties. If you do use                                service is interrupted.
wood for trim or siding, choose                                  Recycling graywater and using
a long-lasting, sustainably                                      it to water landscaping or flush
harvested species such as cedar.                                 toilets will stretch your home’s
                                                                 water budget.

                Smart Siting                                     Solid Structure
                Locating homes out of flood and wind zones       Reinforced wood framing and
                and siting them to best take advantage of        alternative systems, such as
                passive solar energy makes them inherently       structural insulated panels (SIPs)
                resilient. In the case of this home, its unique  or insulated concrete forms
                circular shape prevents pressure from building   (ICFs), are all good options for
                up on any one side.                              creating strong, durable buildings.

IMAGE CREDIT: DELTEC HOMES WWW.DELTECHOMES.COM
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